Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Alumna Travels to Samoa for Humanitarian Mission

In late 2019, a team of more than 60 Hawaii healthcare professionals traveled to Samoa with Lt. Gov. Josh Green to assist with a measles crisis that had killed dozens of people, mostly children.

Chelsea McKee ’14 was among the 55 nurses who volunteered for the humanitarian mission, putting their own lives on hold to help with the massive vaccination and public health effort.

“I felt this was an opportunity to help others in need,” said the Chaminade Nursing graduate, an oncology nurse at the Queen’s Medical Center and clinical adjunct at the University.

McKee said while she traveled to Samoa to give her time and medical expertise, what she didn’t expect is just how much she’d gain in return.

“On our daily vaccination visits, people welcomed us with hugs, laughter and a lot of food,” she said.

The group from Hawaii was charged with vaccinating tens of thousands of Samoa residents in hopes of stopping the spread of the preventable disease.

McKee said doctors and nurses hit the ground running.

They started their days early in the morning, heading out to neighborhoods with vaccines and supplies. “A local nurse, a co-worker and I vaccinated over 360 people on our first day there,” said McKee.

“The nurses made an assembly line in the van to prepare the syringes and gauze, draw up the vaccination, and the other to administer. Just as fast as you could imagine vaccinating 10 people we would go onto the next house and the next until the evening.”

McKee is no stranger to public health nursing.

In fact, she had her first experiences serving the community with healthcare needs as a student at Chaminade. When she was seeking her degree at the University, she was able to travel to the Philippines and the Big Island on public health missions.

“In the Philippines I had the opportunity to work in the hospital setting, live with a family in a rural mountain community where we performed health screenings, learned about alternative medicine and much more,” McKee said.

“These experiences I gained from the nursing program exposed me to public health. By volunteering, I gain so much more than I can give.”

McKee was on the Samoa trip with another Chaminade Nursing graduate: Chandler Arce ‘16, a psychiatric nurse at the Queen’s Medical Center.

Speaking recently, McKee said she’d jump at the chance to help more families in Samoa.

“I still remember on the drive back to the airport thinking, I only hope we made a difference,” she said. “We hope we made an impact and prevented more deaths.”

Data Science National Competition

Chaminade’s data science program made another strong showing recently at a national competition aimed at challenging young people to use computing for positive social change.

And students and faculty members say they’re already gearing up for the next challenge.

Students at Computing4Change in Denver, Colorado
First cohort (L-R): Sophia Riffo-Jenson, Clara-Nathele Trainer, Nainoa Norman Ing, Kahoalii Keahi-Wood, Rylan Chong, Hoano Rosario & Skye Haraga

Three Chaminade students were among 25 undergraduates from around the country to participate in the most recent Computing4Change challenge in Denver. Over three days in November, participants worked in small teams to use data analysis, computational thinking, and the latest data science tools to see how computing can be a driver for social good.

In this case, they sought to better understand the causes of infant mortality.

Dr. Rylan Chong, a data scientist and postdoctoral researcher at Chaminade, accompanied students to the challenge and a connected data science conference. He said Chaminade has actually sent three separate cohorts of students to the competition since the University launched its data science program in fall 2018 as a first-of-its-kind offering in Hawaii.

And Chong said the program is preparing to send its next cohort in July.

He said the gatherings not only help students apply their learning, but offer them vital opportunities beyond the classroom, from internships to networking that could lead to jobs.

Students at Computing4Change in Denver, Colorado
Third cohort (L-R): Kahoalii Keahi-Wood, Lillianna Flynn, Casandra Tanare, Rylan Chong

“From a curriculum standpoint, participating in these events, students experience an exciting hands-on opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team with mentors to make an impact on a real-world problem, interact with a supercomputer and big datasets, and get exposed to and apply the latest data science technologies and approaches,” Chong said, in an email.

The challenges, which are sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on High Performance Computing, also give students the chance to stretch their leadership muscles. Chong said Chaminade students frequently serve as leaders in their teams.

Chenoa Faletoi was one of the students who participated in this year’s cohort. She said the challenge was high pressure – and a great test of her skills. “I would say the biggest takeaway was knowing the difference between data and information,” she said, adding that the competition also solidified her choice to switch to the data science major.

“Data science is everywhere and can be applied in all fields,” Faletoi said. “In my perspective, I have opened up more opportunities. I am not limited to a specific area of work because data science involves technology and technology is evolving and being incorporated in all fields.”

Student Maria Fratinardo also competed in the challenge.

She said at the end of the three days, she was “super proud” about what she’d accomplished. “It’s made realize that I want to be able to use my skills to help people,” Fratinardo said, adding that she’s interested in focusing on applying data science in healthcare. “I’m learning how to find raw data in order to answer questions to problems that we are currently facing.”

Chaminade University Receives $25,000 Grant from First Hawaiian Bank

HONOLULU (January 30, 2020) – Chaminade University of Honolulu recently received a $25,000 grant from First Hawaiian Bank that will allow the university to remain current and be better positioned to train tomorrow’s teachers. The grant will be used to ensure Chaminade’s School of Education graduates teachers who are using best practices in place-based, deep learning.

First Hawaiian Bank presenting check to Chaminade University
Pictured left to right: Dr. Elizabeth Park, Chaminade University; Dr. Lynn Babington, Chaminade University; Donna Mendes, First Hawaiian Bank; and Dr. Katrina Roseler, Chaminade University

Place-based education encourages student agency and is situated within the context of the learners’ environment, allowing them opportunities to explore questions that are immediately relevant. In Hawai‘i, such an instructional approach provides a space to honor and highlight native/indigenous knowledge and skills in addition to addressing required state and national standards. It has been shown that learners who engage in place-based education are not only more engaged, but also demonstrate a deeper understanding of content. Teachers who embrace this style of teaching are also more likely to stay in the classroom.

Chaminade will collaborate with the Kupu Hou Academy, a teacher professional development program housed at Mid-Pacific Institute, to help translate and implement the place-based, deeper learning model in the university setting.

According to Chaminade President Dr. Lynn Babington, “This collaboration with Mid-Pacific Institute will transform Chaminade’s School of Education and ensure that it is graduating teachers who are using best practices in place-based, deep learning, and who are empowered to be innovative and creative in the classroom. The real beneficiaries will be Hawai‘i’s children, who will have access to an engaging, quality education.”

Chaminade’s School of Education offers six undergraduate degree programs and two master’s degree programs, supplying the second largest pool of teachers for the state.  For more information, visit www.chaminade.edu.

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About Chaminade UniversityChaminade University of Honolulu provides a collaborative and innovative learning environment that prepares graduate and undergraduate students for life, service and successful careers. Established in 1955, the university is guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, which include a commitment to serving the Native Hawaiian population. Chaminade offers an inclusive setting where students, faculty and staff collectively pursue a more just and peaceful society. For more information, visit www.chaminade.edu.

2020 Heritage Awards

Three members of the Chaminade ‘ohana were honored at a special mass on January 22, 2020 as part of the annual Heritage Awards. Each year, Chaminade University recognizes three individuals who exemplify the Marianist tradition on campus and live and share Marianist values. This year’s award winners were Dr. Helen Turner, Julieann Tupuola and Andrew Trapsi ‘20.

Dr. Helen Turner Heritage Award winner

The Chaminade Award is given each year to a faculty or staff member who has exhibited a strong commitment to the Characteristics of Marianist Universities and to serving as a champion for justice, love and the dignity and rights of all people in our community. This year’s recipient, Dr. Helen Turner, vice president for strategy and innovation, began her career at Chaminade as the dean of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Since Dr. Turner’s arrival at Chaminade, she has made tremendous contributions to the university, from updating the “I am a Scientist” curriculum to introducing new degree programs like data science, an MBA in healthcare administration and an MBA in science and technology. She has also led the way for the Ho’oulu Scholarship program in partnership with Kamehameha Schools. Dr. Turner has an uncanny ability to respond to the needs of our community and does so with great success.

Julie Tupuola Heritage Award winner

Julieann Tupuola, Chaminade’s facilities coordinator, received the Marianist Award. The award celebrates her tireless and extraordinary efforts to build a collaborative, open and loving community, all while seeking to forward the university’s vision and mission. Julie first came to Chaminade as a student in 2012. She completed her bachelor’s degree in English in 2016, then completed her Master of Education degree last May. Julie is known to go above and beyond for the people that surround her. Besides her responsibilities as facilities coordinator, Julie serves as an advisor for the Samoan Club on campus. A student member of the club says, “Julie makes sure we are following our customs of respect and taking care of each other.”

Andrew Traspi Heritage Award winner

The Founder’s Award is presented each year to a student who has exhibited a spirit of faith, demonstrated a commitment to Marianist values and served as a role model for the Chaminade community. Andrew Trapsi, a biochemistry major who plans to graduate this spring, was the well-deserved recipient this year. Originally from the Bay Area in California, Andrew is active at Chaminade, participating in Campus Ministry and Residence Life. One of his nominators says, “As an R.A., Andrew genuinely cares for his residents. On any given day, whether he is on duty or not, he can be found hanging out with his residents. He takes the time to really communicate with his residents and other students around campus.”

Congratulations and mahalo to our three award-winners! We are blessed and honored to have your unique gifts as part of our campus community.

Chaminade University Now Accepting Applications for Four-Year Scholarship Program

HONOLULU (January 23, 2020) – Chaminade University is now accepting applicants for its Ho‘oulu Scholarship program for Native Hawaiian students. Developed in partnership with Kamehameha Schools, the program was designed to grow the number of Native Hawaiians graduating with science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees.

The four-year scholarship is open to first-year and transfer applicants seeking degrees in Biology; Biochemistry; Chemistry; Data Science, Analytics and Visualization; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Studies; Forensic Sciences; and Nursing. The scholarship provides:

  • Full tuition (100 percent of tuition not to exceed the published amount) assistance for four years
  • Consideration for partial housing subsidy for on- or off-campus housing for neighbor island or rural students
  • Wraparound academic support services to promote on-time graduation
  • Participation in Chaminade’s four-year graduation guarantee
  • Access to post-graduate career paths via Chaminade’s suite of articulation agreements with medical and graduate schools
  • Paid internships for professional development
  • Financial support for career development activities, such as MCAT and GRE preparation

Now in its fifth year, the Ho‘oulu Scholarship gives preference to applicants of Native Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law. To date, 125 students have received Ho‘oulu scholarships at Chaminade.

“We’re extremely proud of the Ho‘oulu program at Chaminade,” said President Dr. Lynn Babington. “Both our persistence and four-year graduation rates are close to 100 percent for these scholars, who not only receive financial aid but more importantly intensive wraparound academic support services to help them succeed.”
The application submission deadline is March 16, 2020. For an application, visit chaminade.edu/hooulu.

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Chaminade University of Honolulu provides a collaborative and innovative learning environment that prepares graduate and undergraduate students for life, service and successful careers. Established in 1955, the university is guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, which include a commitment to serving the Native Hawaiian population. Chaminade offers an inclusive setting where students, faculty and staff collectively pursue a more just and peaceful society. For more information, visit chaminade.edu.

Chaminade University Receives $40,000 Grant from the Freeman Foundation

HONOLULU (January 16, 2020) – For the seventh year in a row, Chaminade University has received $40,000 from the Freeman Foundation in support of its Hogan Entrepreneurial Program’s China Summer Study and Internship program. The innovative program provides Chaminade students with an immersive cultural learning experience to broaden their understanding of China and Chinese business practices.

“Thanks to the Freeman Foundation, Chaminade has been able to offer this enriching and transformative experience to our students over the last six years,” said Dr. Lynn Babington, President of Chaminade University. “The impact has been great for our students. After the experience, they come back to Hawai‘i stronger, more confident and with a deeper appreciation of and respect for the diverse cultures and people of China.”

The Hogan Entrepreneurial Program’s China Summer Study and Internship program combines guided tours and cultural visits with tangible work experiences with entrepreneurs in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau. The students are chaperoned by Dr. Caryn Callahan, Professor of Business, who is an expert in East Asian Studies. Through the experience, students become informed global citizens and better prepared for a world requiring a global perspective.

Chaminade University’s Hogan Entrepreneurship Program is a one- or two-year certificate program. Students learn first-hand from experienced Hawai‘i business leaders and entrepreneurs about the business of getting a new idea up and running. This involves academic coursework, mentorships and internships with business leaders, weekly lectures, study trips, and programs like the nonprofit business plan competition. For more information, visit chaminade.edu/hogan

The Freeman Foundation was established in 1994 through the bequest and in memory of the businessman and benefactor Mansfield Freeman, a co-founder of the American International Group, Inc. (AIG). This private and philanthropic foundation, based in Stowe, Vermont, is dedicated to augmenting international understanding between the United States and the nations of East Asia. It created the Undergraduate Asian Studies Funding Initiative to provide grants to numerous American colleges to strengthen and expand their Asian studies programs to increase access to Asian studies courses and to increase the number of students in the United States studying about Asia.

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About Chaminade University. Chaminade University of Honolulu provides a collaborative and innovative learning environment that prepares graduate and undergraduate students for life, service and successful careers. Established in 1955, the university is guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, which include a commitment to serving the Native Hawaiian population. Chaminade offers an inclusive setting where students, faculty and staff collectively pursue a more just and peaceful society. For more information, visit chaminade.edu.